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DIY PVC Acoustic Diffuser

Acoustic diffusers are devices that reduce echoes off solid surfaces by scattering the sound energy in different directions. There are many designs for these diffusers, but the simplest to build is a barrel diffuser. Sound waves strike the side of the barrel (in this case made by a PVC pipe cut in half) and scatter widely, so they are less noticeable. This barrel diffuser design is inexpensive to build, so you can hang several of them on walls that may be causing harsh echoes.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-foot length of 24-inch white PVC schedule 40 pipe
  • Band saw
  • Sandpaper
  • 2-foot square piece of plywood
  • 2-part epoxy cement
  • Disposable mixing cup
  • Brush
  • Decorative fabric, 34 inches square
  • Power stapler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Saw the PVC pipe in half lengthwise. Select one half of the pipe and saw a 30-degree bevel on each end, running from the cut edge up to the top of the pipe. Sand all cut edges smooth.

    • 2

      Mix the two-part epoxy in a disposable cup according to manufacturer's directions. Use a brush to apply a line of the mixed epoxy to the two-foot-long cut edges of the pipe.

    • 3

      Place the pipe section cut-side-down on the plywood panel, so that the glued edges of the pipe align flush with two opposite edges of the panel, forming a tunnel over the panel. Allow the glue to harden.

    • 4

      Drape the center of the cloth over the center of the pipe. Pull the cloth sides over to the rear of the plywood and staple it into position. Make sure to pull the cloth taught in both horizontal and vertical directions.

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Recording Music

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